On the tangential contact behavior at elastic–plastic spherical contact problems

• Published in: Wear 2014-11, Vol.319 (1-2), p.110-117
• Main Authors: Olsson, E., Larsson, P.-L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Computer simulation; Contact; Correlation; Elastic-plastic materials; Exact sciences and technology; Finite element simulations; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Granular materials; Indentation; Mathematical analysis; Mathematical models; Mechanical contact (friction...); Mises plasticity; Physics; Powder compaction; Shear stresses; Solid mechanics; Spherical contact; Strain hardening; Structural and continuum mechanics
• ISSN: 0043-1648; 1873-2577; 1873-2577
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wear.2014.07.016

The problem of tangential contact between an elastic–plastic sphere and a rigid plane is studied analytically and numerically with the specific aim to derive force–displacement relations to be used in numerical simulations of granular materials. The simulations are performed for both ideal-plastic and strain hardening materials with different yield stresses and including large deformation effects in order to draw general conclusions. The results are correlated using normalized quantities pertinent to the correlation of indentation testing experiments leading to a general description of the tangential contact problem. Explicit formulas for the normal and tangential forces are presented as a function of the tangential displacement using data that are easily available from axi-symmetric analyses of spherical contact. The proposed model shows very good agreement when compared with the FE-simulations. •A complete model for tangential force at spherical contact is presented.•The model is based on easily obtained quantities.•General elastoplasticity is included in the model.•The model results are in good agreement with FEM results.